A judge ruled Thursday that a new school voucher program was unconstitutional.

Wake County Superior Court Judge Robert Hobgood ruled that the scholarship program for low-income families unconstitutionally gave taxpayer money to private or religious schools.

The decision came just two days after Gaston Day School students started classes.

Gaston Day didn’t see any applicants for the new program, but they hoped to, according to Headmaster Richard Rankin.

“We would love to have able students who want the benefits of a Gaston Day School education but can’t afford to come to Gaston Day,” he said.

Gaston Day’s 485 students started classes Tuesday.

Tuition at the school ranges from $11,000 to $14,000 with nearly half the students receiving financial aid.

When Sandra McFalls heard about the voucher program earlier this year, she hoped her son, Anthony, would start the new school year at Victory Christian Academy in Gastonia.

She applied for the vouchers but was denied because she was above the required income level.

In hindsight, McFalls said she’s not upset. After evaluating the use of tax dollars, she said she wasn’t sure she supported the program.

“I don’t want to take from anyone else because of our school choices,” she said.

That’s the argument made by those contesting the school voucher program.

Millions of public education dollars shouldn’t go to private schools, according to a statement by Public Schools First N.C.

“We are so grateful that today’s ruling by Judge Hobgood restores the constitutional promise that all children receive a sound, basic education within the public school system,” said Yevonne Brannon, chairwoman of Public Schools First NC.

The General Assembly set aside $10 million last year to give up to $4,200 each for up to 2,400 students.

Hobgood blocked the state voucher program in February until there could be a trial. The state Supreme Court reversed him in May and allowed implementation to go ahead.

Hobgood again voted against the program Thursday.

Teachers groups and many of the state's 115 school boards challenged whether the state can spend public money on K-12 tuition at private or religious schools. Those plaintiffs and the state's taxpayers would be harmed if the program were allowed to continue, Hobgood said.